Green, blue and purple are three distinct colors that each have their own interesting characteristics. Green is located between blue and yellow on the visible spectrum and is associated with nature, growth, renewal and environment. Blue is a primary color located between violet and green on the spectrum and represents calm, stability, wisdom and trust. Purple on the other hand is a secondary color made by mixing red and blue that is often associated with royalty, luxury, spirituality and imagination. In this article we will take a closer look at the properties of each color including their hue, hex codes, place on the color wheel and other associations.
Properties of Green
Green is one of the 3 additive primary colors along with red and blue which means it can be used to make all other colors. Here are some key facts about the color green:
- Hue – Ranges from yellow-green at 120 degrees to blue-green at 180 degrees
- Wavelength – 495–570 nm
- Hex code – #00FF00
- RGB values – (0, 255, 0)
- CMYK values – (100, 0, 100, 0)
- Complementary color – Red
On the traditional RYB color wheel used by painters, green is located between yellow and blue. In additive RGB color it is a secondary color made by mixing blue and yellow light.
Some other key properties and associations of the color green:
- Balance of cool blue and warm yellow
- Abundant in nature – trees, plants, grass, etc.
- Represent growth, renewal, life
- Associated with environment, health, money
- Considered restful and calming to the eye
Different shades and hues of green can evoke slightly different feelings. For example lighter greens are more tranquil while darker shades are associated with prestige, wealth and ambition. Yellow-greens convey a youthful energy while blue-greens feel more traditional.
Properties of Blue
Here are the main characteristics and properties of the color blue:
- Hue – Ranges from violet-blue at 210 degrees to green-blue at 180 degrees
- Wavelength – 450–495 nm
- Hex code – #0000FF
- RGB values – (0, 0, 255)
- CMYK values – (100, 100, 0, 0)
- Complementary color – Orange
As a primary color, blue is one of the 3 main colors that can be mixed to create all other colors. It sits between violet and green on the visible color spectrum. In painting, blue is considered a cool color while in light it is seen as warm.
Some other notable characteristics of blue:
- Calm, relaxing, serene
- Color of sky and water
- Associated with depth, wisdom, loyalty, confidence, intelligence
- Considered beneficial to mind and body
- Corporate, professional, stable
Different shades of blue can take on some additional meanings. Light blue is peaceful, cool and calming. Navy blue conveys strength and authority. Royal blue implies wealth and prestige.
Properties of Purple
Purple is a secondary color created by mixing red and blue. Here are its main color properties:
- Hue – Ranges from red-purple at 320 degrees to blue-purple at 270 degrees
- Wavelength – 400–450 nm
- Hex code – #800080
- RGB values – (128, 0, 128)
- CMYK values – (50, 100, 0, 0)
- Complementary color – Yellow
Since purple is made by combining the stability of blue and energy of red, it takes on a mystical, spiritual meaning.
Some other key facts about purple:
- Associated with royalty, luxury, ambition, creativity
- symbol of wisdom, dignity, independence
- Color of imagination, magic, mystery
- Conveys wealth, extravagance, romance
- Rare and expensive in antiquity
Different shades of purple also take on some additional characteristics. Light purples are romantic, delicate and nostalgic. Dark purples imply sophistication and intensity. Bright purples are energetic, unconventional and futuristic.
Green, Blue and Purple on the Color Wheel
Looking at the position of green, blue and purple on the traditional RYB color wheel provides more insight into their relationships:
| Color | Position |
|---|---|
| Green | Located between Yellow and Blue |
| Blue | Primary color, between Violet and Green |
| Purple | Secondary color, between Red and Blue |
Some key takeaways:
- Green balances the warm and cool sides of the color spectrum
- Blue and yellow combine to make green
- Purple bridges the gap between warm red and cool blue
- Purple conveys the stability of blue and energy of red
- Blue and red mix to create purple
Understanding where colors fall on the wheel provides insight into their relationships with other hues.
Uses and Meanings of Green, Blue and Purple
The different properties and cultural associations of green, blue and purple make them well-suited for certain uses and meanings.
Uses of Green
- Environmental causes, nature, organic
- Health, wellness, renewal
- Finance, banking, Wall Street
- Sports teams – Packers, Celtics, Seahawks
- Calming hospital rooms
Meanings of Green
- Growth, fertility, freshness, safety
- Wealth, prestige, ambition, greed
- Inexperience, envy, misfortune
- “Green with envy”
- “Green thumb”
- “Green light”
Uses of Blue
- Corporate branding – Facebook, Twitter, Samsung
- Authority, police, military
- Conveys trust, security, stability
- Calming hospital rooms
- Aerospace, technology, futuristic
Meanings of Blue
- Wisdom, confidence, intelligence
- Stability, loyalty, truth, focus
- “True blue”
- “Blue in the face” – exhaustion
- “Blue blood” – royalty
- “Blue Monday” – feeling down
Uses of Purple
- Luxury, royalty – crowns, capes
- Spirituality, mysticism, magic
- Creativity, art, imagination
- Ambition, individuality, nonconformity
Meanings of Purple
- Wealth, extravagance, sophistication
- Wisdom, dignity, independence
- Mystery, magic, spirituality
- “Purple prose” – overly ornate writing
- “Purple patch” – remarkable period
- “Purple haze” – state of delirium
So while green, blue and purple are linked by their positions on the color wheel, each has developed distinct cultural meanings and practical uses.
Psychological Effects of Green, Blue and Purple
Research has shown green, blue and purple can each have positive psychological effects:
Green
- Balances mental and emotional stability
- Encourages growth and renewal
- Promotes harmony and balance
- Reduces anxiety and depression
Blue
- Invokes feelings of calmness and serenity
- Slows metabolism, lowers blood pressure
- Promotes concentration and focus
- Boosts productivity and performance
Purple
- Uplifts mood, boosts imagination
- Inspires creativity, unconventionality
- Promotes spirituality and connection
- Stimulates problem solving
So in moderation, integrating green, blue and purple into environments and design can have measurable benefits on mood and mindset. However, avoid overusing any color to prevent sensory overload.
Conclusion
In summary, green, blue and purple each have their own unique place on the color spectrum that lends itself to specific properties, meanings and applications:
- Green balances warm and cool as a secondary color between yellow and blue. It represents growth, nature and renewal.
- Blue is a calming primary color associated with intelligence, loyalty and serenity.
- Purple mixes the stability of blue and energy of red. It symbolizes magic, creativity and luxury.
Understanding the context of colors allows designers to tap into their implicit associations. While green conveys life, blue stability and purple mystery, applying these colors effectively depends on needs and goals. With its myriad meanings and effects, color remains a powerful visual communication tool.